Jason Seaman released from hospital, praised for actions during shooting

By May 26, 2018, 6:26 PM ET

The ex-college football player turned high school teacher who played hero during a school shooting Friday in Indiana has been released from the hospital.?

Jason Seaman was released from?Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis a day after helping stop the shooter who had opened fire at Noblesville West Middle School on Friday morning. Seaman, a former defensive lineman at Southern Illinois, underwent surgery after he was shot three times -- in his abdomen, hip and forearm.?

Republican U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks posted a video on Twitter saying she met Seaman during a visit to Noblesville West Middle School around midday Saturday.

"He is that hero teacher who stopped the shooter from hurting more young people,'' Brooks said.

The only other person shot, student Ella Whistler, was in critical but stable condition, according to her family. They released a statement saying they were still trying to process "what happened and why.''

Students and parents said Seaman, a science teacher who also coaches football and track, helped stop the shooter, who pulled out a gun and opened fire while a seventh-grade class was taking a test.

Seaman was praised for his actions.?President Donald Trump posted a tweet Saturday saying: "Thanks to very brave Teacher & Hero Jason Seaman of Noblesville, Indiana, for his heroic act in saving so many precious young lives. His quick and automatic action is being talked about all over the world!''

Vice President Mike Pence, the former governor of Indiana, also credited the teacher's "courageous action'' for saving lives during the shooting at the suburban Indianapolis school.

"We're all proud of you Jason and are praying for you and those impacted and recovering from injuries,'' Pence said in his own tweet.

Noblesville High School senior Jackson Ramsey started a GoFundMe fundraising effort for Seaman. He said his girlfriend's sister was in a classroom adjacent to the shooting. The goal is to "repay a deed that cannot be repaid,'' Ramsey said.

"He saved the lives of so many students," he said.

The campaign had raised nearly $50,000 by 10 p.m. ET Saturday.

Seaman had released a statement Friday evening confirming he was injured and thanking first responders.

"First of all, thank you to the first responders from Noblesville and Fishers for their immediate action and care," he said. "I want to let everyone know that I was injured but am doing great. To all students, you are all wonderful and I thank you for your support. You are the reason I teach."